On Tuesday OpenAI pushed back against allegations contained in a trade-secret lawsuit filed by Apple, saying it is not aware of evidence supporting the complaint. The company’s statement was first shared on X by Bloomberg reporter Ed Ludlow.
"While we take these allegations seriously, we’re not aware of any evidence that this complaint has merit," OpenAI said. The company added that it supports fair competition and the freedom for people to work where they choose, and that it remains focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere.
Background of the lawsuit
Apple filed a 41-page complaint on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The filing accuses OpenAI employees — including individuals who previously worked at Apple — of coordinating efforts to obtain confidential information and intellectual property.
The complaint includes a series of allegations directed at OpenAI leadership, naming Tang Tan, OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer. According to the filing, Tang Tan spent 24 years at Apple and held senior roles, including vice president of product design for the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Apple says its internal investigation uncovered evidence that OpenAI and its partners used Apple’s confidential information while developing OpenAI’s own hardware product.
Speculation around OpenAI’s hardware work
This is OpenAI’s first public comment on the lawsuit itself; in an initial response hours after Apple filed the suit, OpenAI told TechCrunch that it had no interest in other companies’ trade secrets and reiterated its focus on building technology that benefits users.
Media reports and OpenAI’s acquisition of io, the startup founded by Jony Ive, have fueled speculation that OpenAI is developing hardware that could compete with Apple. Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that OpenAI is working on a mobile, screen-free smart speaker described by people familiar with the plans as a "humanlike AI companion" intended for home use.
Reports say the device would have no screen, include moving mechanical elements, and is being developed with input from several former Apple engineers who worked on the iPhone and Mac.
Next steps
TechCrunch has reached out to OpenAI for further comment and said it will update its coverage if the company responds. The court proceedings and any additional disclosures will determine whether the allegations have a factual basis or not over time.
